43 GMP officers in police racism claims

AN Asian police inspector who claims he was racially discriminated against by Greater Manchester Police is among dozens of officers who have made similar complaints in the last eight years, figures have revealed.

AN Asian police inspector who claims he was racially discriminated against by Greater Manchester Police is among dozens of officers who have made similar complaints in the last eight years, figures have revealed.

Forty-three officers have made formal complaints of racism since GMP was branded "institutionally racist" eight years ago.

In that time five police officers were sacked, two demoted and four fined following the accusations, according to statistics obtained by the M.E.N. under Freedom of Information laws. One of the officers who was sacked has now been reinstated.

Last week the M.E.N. revealed Insp Bal Singh was taking his case to an employment tribunal, claiming the length of time he has been suspended from the force following unproven allegations of money laundering represents racial discrimination.

Arrested

Insp Singh, 38, from Heald Green, Stockport, was arrested in November on suspicion of money laundering and a prosecution was considered.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to take the case to court. But the officer remains suspended. Colleagues have called for him to be re-instated while GMP says it will "vigorously defend" the force at the tribunal.

Insp Singh's case is not included in the figures obtained by the M.E.N. as his complaint was made this year, and only information for full calendar years was requested.

Developments

Force bosses insist tackling racism is a top priority. GMP Assistant Chief Constable Rob Taylor said: "GMP is at the forefront of developments on race issues.

This is illustrated by the appointment of a Director of Diversity and the formation of a new Diversity Command, independent advisory groups and the delivery of the force's `Respect' programme.

"Allegations of racism are treated seriously, investigated and appropriate action taken, which has included dismissal. We also scrutinise allegations to identify any emerging patterns.

"As any statistician would point out, it would be unprofessional and unrealistic to draw conclusions about trends from such small numbers. GMP has more than 12,000 staff and while all allegations of this nature must be of concern, the numbers remain low."

"GMP has been actively encouraging staff to come forward and report any issues of this nature and Staff Associations have regular meetings with Force Command which include consideration of topics such as how any increases may be linked to these actions.

'Transparent'

"The developments in diversity have been transparent and much has been reported previously in the M.E.N."

The figures were obtained after the M.E.N. asked how many officers had complained about racism since 1998, when former chief constable, David Wilmot, said there was "institutional racism" within his force.

In that year two officers made complaints of racism followed by four in 1999, nine in 2000, ten in 2001, four in 2002, three in 2003, seven in 2004 and four in 2005 - 43 since 1998.

The force also agreed to make three financial settlements following accusations of racism. It made one payment of é1,000 and two others of é2,000 each.